by M J Andrews
The court was called and the family made their way into the courtroom while Lexi strutted in with an officer and Leo. She was stunning in her pencil skirt, heels and blazer. Her hair pulled up in a tight bun on top of her head, but wisps of hair had come loose and dangled along her face. The confidence she had in the courtroom told him that she was in her element. This was her world and she ruled it with an iron fist. There was a slight flush to her cheeks and a glimmer in her eyes that added to her beauty. She was beautiful as a teenager, but now, she was a woman. She was confident, self-assured, strong and sexy. And fuck if his dick didn’t choose that moment to appreciate her.
Lexi approached the desk and stood with Leo, while Kincaid sneered from the opposite side of the room.
"All rise, the honorable Justice McGraw presiding," the bailiff announced.
A middle-aged woman entered the courtroom and everyone remained silent as she approached the bench.
"You may be seated," the bailiff ordered.
The bailiff called the case to order and Kincaid opened for the prosecution. Sawyer physically grabbed the seat under him to prevent him from yelling profanities at the dick.
"Your honor, we are here today concerning Leo Jennings, who is a minor in the custody of Dr. Jordan McGuire. He has a history of offenses as a minor which includes trespassing and vandalism. He's a repeat offender and has already demonstrated non-compliance with the orders of this court. The prosecution is requesting that he be remanded to the juvenile correctional center until his trial. At which time, the prosecution is requesting that consideration be given to try him as an adult," his harsh baritone rang out in the courtroom.
Sawyer heard Jordan's breathing become strained and he reached a handout to her. She clutched it and squeezed trying to anchor herself to someone.
"Thank you, Mr. Kincaid," the judge nodded and raised her eyes over her glasses. Sawyer felt the scrutiny of Justice McGraw's criticism before and he knew she was all for teaching young people the hard truth early in their criminal behavior.
"Ms. Scott, I must say it is an unexpected pleasure to see you in my courtroom," the judge smiled at Lexi.
Lexi stood before she addressed the court and buttoned over her blazer. "Indeed madam Justice, however, this is an exceptional circumstance," she said moving out from behind the table.
"I would very much like to hear what you have to say on behalf of your client."
"Of course, your Honor. The purpose of today's hearing is to discuss the possibility of bail for Mr. Jennings and despite the lovely introduction Mr. Kincaid has provided on his strategies going forward, these are not the items on the table presently. Mr. Jennings is under the care of Dr. McGuire and she continues to be committed to his care. With that being said, Mr. Jennings is aware that he needs to demonstrate his understanding of the orders in place by this court. He’s willing to consent to several conditions to be attached to his bail order," Lexi announced.
Kincaid rose when he heard this proposition.
"Your Honor, with all due respect, Dr. McGuire was unable to control Mr. Jennings or prevent his criminal behavior. I would argue that these added measures would not be sufficient," he said.
"As I'm sure Mr. Kincaid is aware, the last offense was several years ago when Mr. Jennings was in the custody of his mother. This is his first offense since being in the care of Dr. McGuire. I would argue, counselor, that Dr. McGuire has provided more than sufficient supervision of Mr. Jennings. Additionally, my client is agreeable to a court-imposed curfew, regular attendance in school and completion of educational programs offered through the youth center in Silverton around criminal behaviors," she boomed.
"Your Honor, this young man is moving down a dark path that could end with someone being seriously injured," Kincaid sneered. Sawyer growled from his seat as he knew that was a dig at Lexi's about the accident.
"Mr. Kincaid may need to revisit law school to relearn the difference between fact and fiction. This is my client's first offense in an extended period, and he has agreed voluntarily to court-imposed conditions on his release. I would argue that these conditions are above what would be expected of any defendant and thus demonstrates his willingness to cooperate," her voice was clipped and agitated.
Kincaid faced Lexi, "Mr. Jennings has had more than enough accommodations, Ms. Scott. Given his connection to the local Sheriff, one may assume that he is being permitted to skirt the limits of the law," he challenged.
"Again counselor, you fail to prove any wrongdoing on behalf of the Sheriff and considering your own opinions about the Sheriff perhaps it would not be wise to cast the first stone. It would be incredibly unprofessional if you were unable to maintain an unbiased and harsh attitude towards my client due to your own personal hostilities," she snarled back.
"Your client is getting a free ride…"
Lexi interjected, "Are you the right person to talk about getting a free ride, Counsellor?"
The gavel dropped causing a booming sound to echo off the walls. Judge McGraw took off her glasses before she addressed the lawyers in front of her.
"Mr. Kincaid, I hear what you're saying, but as Ms. Scott has argued the defendant has stipulated to particular conditions on his release that will satisfy this court pending further consideration of the charges. Young man please stand," the Judge ordered. Leo stood as Judge McGraw addressed him directly.
"Leo, you have an opportunity before you to demonstrate that you can make changes. I understand that you may be experiencing different challenges, but you need to choose a different path. Should I see you in my courtroom for additional charges, bail will not be granted and I will be inclined to agree with the prosecution. As it stands, I accept the conditions Ms. Scott has put forth but will tell you that should you breach any of those conditions, your bail will be revoked. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes M-Ma'am," Leo stammered.
"Very well. Ms. Scott, I trust you will draft the order," Judge McGraw asked pointedly.
"Yes, your Honor," Lexi grinned.
The judge left the bench and Jordan wrapped her arms around Lexi as tears filled her eyes. Lexi didn't look comfortable with the physical contact and Sawyer wondered if she had shied away from physical contact since her accident.
Lexi turned to Leo and said, "You heard what I said, Leo. Stay out of trouble or they will throw you in juvie."
She closed her briefcase and briskly strutted past Sawyer without a second glance. Sawyer was caught in the circle of the family who surrounded Leo and was unable to reach her before she left. He wanted to mend some bridges with her for what he did. Or did she know what he did? Did she know he sat by her bedside? Or how it changed him and his path forever?
He needed her to understand.
Of all the women in Sawyer's life, Lexi had always been the one he thought of when he considered settling down. The feelings he had for her in high school were all-consuming, and when she left, he tried to forget about her. But there was something about Lexi Scott that left an impression on his heart and now that she was back in town, he needed to step up his game to get the chance to apologize properly. It was easy to keep his feelings tucked away in the deep dark corners of his heart when she wasn’t near. He lost himself in mindless women who never left his feeling anything of any significance. Sure, he’d had relationships, but he never let anyone get close again. Lexi took a piece of his heart with her ten years ago and he never wanted to feel that kind of pain again.
Being so close to her, even temporarily brought old feelings to the surface. She may never forgive him, but he needed to try.
Chapter 6
Lexi
After Lexi settled the hearing for Jordan, she returned to her family home. She was greeted with the sweet smell of strawberries as soon as she opened the door. She suspected that her mother had been in the kitchen most of the day. The woman loved to feed people and people loved her cooking.
Lexi dropped her briefcase in the foyer and followed her nose toward the delicious sprea
d she knew would be waiting. She got to the doorway and eyed the display inside. There was her mother covered head to toe in flour, with a big smile on her face, while she sang along with Deana Carter’s Strawberry Wine.
“How are you doing there, Mama?” Lexi asked trying hard to hide the laughter that threatened to slip past her lips.
Her mother turned and smiled at Lexi with a sly grin. Daddy loved when Mama baked up a storm in the house. He said it was the reason he married her. She’d been selling her pies at the local church and when Daddy took a bite of her strawberry rhubarb pie, he fell in love.
“Oh, Sugar! You know, maybe you can help me out in the kitchen? I could use a hand and it’s been a long time since we made a mess together,” her mother requested.
Mama and Lexi spent days in the kitchen baking cupcakes and other wonderful goods around Christmas time. It was a tradition for them and when Nana was around she would join them. They had a wonderful time and it was some of her most cherished memories. She’d be covered head to toe in flour by the end of the afternoon. Tears welled in Lexi’s eyes as she remembered those warm memories. This caught her mother’s attention and she moved closer to Lexi.
“Lexi, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” she asked wrapping her arms around Lexi in a comforting embrace that unleashed the hurt in her heart.
“Oh, Mama, I was just remembering the good times we had when Nana was around and we baked together,” she sniffed.
Her mother pulled back from the embrace and used her hands to wipe away the tears that slid down her cheeks.
“Peanut, Nana knew how much you loved her and she was so proud of you,” she said. “Speaking of your grandmother, her lawyer will be coming tonight for supper and afterwards we will hear the will,” her mother pulled away and handed her an apron. “Now, how’s about we make a mess for Nana?”
Lexi took the apron and joined her mother in the kitchen. She’d forgotten how good it felt to be surrounded by love and family. She missed it. New York was where her dreams came true, but Silverton was where her heart always stayed.
As they prepared some dough for a pie they were making, her mother started with the questions about her love life. Honestly, Lexi never saw herself married or with children. It was hard to date in New York due to lack of time, but also, not many people were able to look past the scars on her face. She may get one date, but rarely a second.
“So, how’s the big city? Any son-in-law prospects?” her mother asked with a hint of optimism.
“No, Mama, there isn’t anyone. I don’t have time to date right now, plus… well, you know people don’t react well when they see my scars,” she sighed.
“Lexi Scott,” she turned to face Lexi with her dough covered hands on her hips, “those scars are part of you and as much as I wish I could take that pain for you and carry it myself, I can’t. But I will say, if someone doesn’t love you for the compassionate, strong, powerful woman that you are, then screw them. They don’t deserve you,” her mother said firmly.
Her mother had always been the first one to take down people who whispered behind Lexi’s back. One Christmas when Lexi had returned home, they had attended church and a social event afterwards. She and her mother had been outside the door when they heard Maddie and Mandy, also known as dumb and dumber, speak about Lexi.
“Can you believe they still allow her in everyday society looking like that?” Mandy had shrieked.
“I know, she should just lock herself in a tower for the rest of her life and save us from the view. Honestly, just looking at her turns my stomach,” Maddie countered.
Tears pooled in her eyes as she stood there while they said cruel and horrible things about her. Lexi did not have the strength at the time to stand up for herself, but she watched stunned as her mother moved towards the pair.
“Ladies, I would hope that you are not speaking ill of my daughter,” her mother sneered. “Despite the scars that are on her face and body she’s still Lexi. And she will always be twice the woman you two could make. Perhaps you two should spend more time in church listening to the good Lord, rather than repenting for your sins from the weekend,” she snapped.
Mandy and Maddie’s face twisted in awe that someone had dared to challenge them on their behaviour. Her mother didn’t give them a chance to respond as she turned on her heel and walked to her. She wrapped her in a hug and they headed home early.
Lexi would like to say that it was the last time her mother held her while she wept over cruel comments. But it wasn’t. Her parents never did ask her about the night of the accident and why she had left the party upset. Jack had threatened to beat up everyone until he found out, but at her request stopped. He was so protective and she loved that about him.
A short time later, Mr Hart had arrived for supper and was greeted by all members of the family. Nana only had two children of her own, Jessica and Jackson. Uncle Jackson was available via video chat as he was working out of the country. She and Jack were the only grandchildren and were listed in the will.
Once the meal had been devoured and the dishes cleared away, the family reconvened in the living room, where her mother sipped on a glass of Chardonnay, while her father held a tumbler of Scotch. Mr Hart was an older man who had been a good friend of Nana’s and he was an honest man. He’d been her father’s mentor when he was working through law school. The years had been good to Mr Hart, despite his silver hair that sat neatly on his round head and the extra weight around the waist, the man appeared to be ten years younger than his actual age.
Mr Hart sat across from the family in a wingback chair that was placed adjacent to the stone fireplace. He pulled out his briefcase and slipped on his glasses, which always fell down his nose as he read.
“Shall we get started?” he asked.
“Of course, Mr Hart,” her mother responded.
“Okay. Mrs Jenkins finalized her will last year after making some final recommendations. I will say that some of the stipulations in the will are …unconventional,” he warned.
“Nothing about Mama was conventional, Mr Hart,” Uncle Jackson exclaimed from the iPad being held by her mother. They all chuckled. Nana had her way of doing things and she always wanted to defy what was expected of her.
“Very well. Both of her children have been left trusts in their names, which are each for the amount of two million dollars,” he said.
Her mother’s eyes widened in surprise. Everyone knew that Nana was from old money, but her lifestyle wasn’t lavished or over the top. For God’s sake, she ran a horse ranch when she probably didn’t have to work at all.
“Are you quite sure, Mr Hart? That is quite a lot of money that we did not know our mother possessed,” Uncle Jackson said and her mother nodded her head in agreement.
“I am quite sure. It appears as though your mother had been preparing to ensure your comfort in life upon her departure. Additionally, she left you both letters which are here. Mr Jenkins, if you would like for me to have this directed to your address let me know. I am not permitted to open the letters as they are sealed,” he states.
“Sweet baby Jesus,” her mother mumbled.
“I am certain that you will find answers in her instructions to both of you. There are no stipulations to these trusts and you will both be provided access to the accounts before I leave tonight,” he continued.
“Who would have known that Nana was filthy rich. She worked her own horse ranch for crying out loud,” her father exclaimed, reiterating Lexi’s thoughts.
“Moving forward is the matter of her farm, which includes all three hundred acres of property, and all building that lay on the property will go to her grandchildren, Lexi and Jack,” he announced.
What. The. Fuck.
Jack and Lexi looked at each other with matching expressions of disbelief. The property was worth millions of dollars. Lexi didn’t understand why Nana would leave that to them when there were more appropriate options. Lexi and Jack grew up on the ranch, but they knew nothing about
running a business.
“You are both listed as co-owners, however, this is where your grandmother’s request became unconventional. Your grandmother inserted a clause whereby you both are required to reside on the farm for one year to maintain ownership of the property,” Mr Hart said, handing the siblings matching envelopes with their names written across them in their Nana’s hand.
“What? Wait, you’re saying that for either of us to maintain ownership that we both need to reside on the ranch for a year?” Jack asked. Lexi sat dumbfounded and unable to form words.
“That is correct. Should either you fail to follow the requirements you will both lose out on the property; you cannot sell the property or buy each other out until the year passes. If you fail the property will be placed on the market and the money from this transaction would be donated to a charity of your grandmother’s choice,” he added.